Pantone have launched their Fashion colour report for spring 2011.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, describes the palette as an “innovative take on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colours that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational.”

In keeping with current eco consciousness, trend predictors and designers have put together a palette of colours they believe will work with existing wardrobe colours; Eiseman explains “these unique colour combinations make it possible for consumers to pair existing pieces in colours traditionally associated with fall (autumn), with new favourites to punch up spring time wardrobes. The colours designers have chosen for the spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and cool tones.”

The image below left shows the collection as presented by Pantone. In the image to the right I put together the colours in a different way to show you how the palettes appear more harmonious when divided in to warm and cool hues and that I feel shows two distinct palettes with their own harmony and characteristics.

Pantone colour collection

Cool and warm colour palettes

Russet, Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, Beeswax and Blue Curacao are indeed warm ‘tropical’ shades that appear more rich and muted and earthy or fiery and so create quite a lively palette that work well in any combination.

Peapod, Regatta, Lavender, Silver Cloud and Silver Peony are a more subtle combination of lighter, muted cool tones which would suit softer, flowing designs and fabrics.

View the Pantone Fashion Colour Report with designers comments here http://www.pantone.co.uk/pages/Pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20751&ca=4

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Pantone swatches

Pantone have launched their Fashion colour report for autumn 2010.  Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® describes the palette as an“innovative take on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colours that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational.”

Several leading American designers describe their inspiration for the selected colours that we’ll be seeing in fashion retail later in the year.  I thought I would take a look at the colour chips described and offer my own thoughts on how I think these colours work together.

Oyster Gray and Rose Dust have the ethereal qualities of the attractive and harmonious cool, muted summer palette. The addition of Purple Orchid brings the palette to life adding excitement and depth. These colours are indeed ‘aspirational’ alluding to quality, elegance and timelessness. Soft and light like a summery breeze they are suited to flowing, diaphanous fabrics, cashmere wools and silks.

Endive, Golden Glow, Living Coral, Lipstick Red, Chocolate Truffle, Lagoon, Woodbine and Lagoon appear more rich and muted. Fiery and intense these flavorsome earthy autumn shades are more ‘adventurous’ and work well together in a palette suiting perhaps textured, substantial and sumptuous fabrics. The Chocolate Truffle (yummy!) is an excellent wearable choice instead of black; it has the depth and gravitas but yet is warmer and more approachable. Piquant Lipstick Red and Golden Glow add spice and energy to the collection. Endive and Living Coral are both slightly ‘livelier’ colours adding a little sparkle to the group, whilst Lagoon adds a touch of calm to the collection.

I’m encouraged by the way the reports’ designers think about and view colour and as a colourist fully embrace the message of how colour can make you feel. I would be interested to hear your own views and comments too.

“My new fashion colours rule: Try it you might like it. In the last few years there’s been such an influx of colour in fashion, including the new neutrals which range from the iciest pinks to the lightest lavenders. Faced with all these choices, women may revert to black, but I urge them to give colour a try”.

Constance White – ebay Style Director

“It’s never been more important to show who you are and what you believe in and there’s not a more subtle way of doing that than with colour”

Collier Strong Celebrity Make-up Artist

“You’ll be amazed at what a splash of colour can do to both your’look’ and your ‘outlook’”

Cate Adair Costume Designer – Desperate Housewives

Personal colour psychology – find out for yourself how the colours that you wear have an effect on how you feel http://www.incolourconsultancy.com/personal_colour.htm

View the Pantone Fashion Colour Report here:
http://www.pantone.co.uk/downloads/articles/pdfs/PANTONE_Fashion_Color_Report_Fall_2010.pdf